Her interest in animals large and small led to her involvement with the Spokane Interstate Fair. She was recently named an Interstate Fair ambassador after having served on the Junior Fair Advisory Board.

In addition, she has volunteered at the Spokane Humane Society for several years. The experience solidified her love of veterinary medicine. She’s had the opportunity to prep animals for surgery, assisted during surgery and cared for dogs and cats following procedures.

“Animals are so loving and caring,” she said. “If you love them, they love you back. They don’t backstab you, and they make you feel so good inside.”

It comes as no surprise that science and biology are her favorite subjects. She’s looking forward to working with big cats when she volunteers at Cat Tales this summer.

Taylor has been thrilled to watch this student shine.

“She doesn’t want to talk about her problems. She always focuses on the positive,” he said. “She’s got a bright future ahead.”

It’s a future Skoromnaya is profoundly grateful for.

“America provides so many things that would not have been possible for me in Russia,” she said. “I am really thankful for everything.”